During Diwali, companies typically host office parties, footing the bill to spread festive cheer among employees. Hence, when a company asks its employees to contribute financially to the celebration, it raises questions about the company's ethos and whether it's fair to place this burden on employees during a time meant for joyous festivities.
This exact scenario unfolded recently, sparking heated debates on Reddit. A screenshot of a WhatsApp group showed management requesting contributions from all for the party, leading to disappointment and discussions on the nature of office culture in India.
Source: aajtak
Team Leaders Required to Pay ₹2000
A Reddit user remarked, "Imagine charging employees for a dreary party at a lackluster venue. An old message on WhatsApp shows staff ordered back to their desks. The chat discusses mandatory Diwali contributions with a message clarifying 100% attendance is essential for bosses and their teams. Consequently, managers are to collect ₹1,200 from each team member, with team leads facing a ₹2,000 charge. Another message read, 'Everyone must pay ₹1200 per person.'"
Social Media Stirred by Viral Chats
One user questioned, "What if some prefer to skip the party or are out of town? And what about non-drinkers?" Another suggested, "If your company communicates via WhatsApp, they blur lines between professional and personal life." A different user shared, "My old manager would play football with us before meetings, illustrating better company culture."
Another emphasized, "Good companies host food, travel, and venue expenses but never liquor. They adopt BYOB policies instead of treating alcohol as a bribe. But unprofessional firms do the opposite. Why impose participation? It should be optional. What happens if people refuse? Some suggest outright shaming the company and submitting candid reviews on platforms like Glassdoor."
